Kofi Bazzell‑Smith is an artist and educator, and the first professor of Japanese manga practice in the United States. He draws manga and creates exhibitions that extend his stories into physical and interactive space.
Alongside his studio work, he is active in U.S.–Japan cultural and educational exchange. He is a 2025–26 delegate of the United States–Japan Foundation’s Leadership Program and serves on the board of directors of the United States–Japan Bridging Foundation. He is also developing new programs in Japan to help U.S. students learn manga and Japanese language through immersive cultural exchange.
Outside of the classroom and studio, he has been boxing for sixteen years and turned professional in 2021.
